An offshore worker who has 'beaten' depression and anxiety is running the world-famous Great North Run to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Jordan Woolston, 31, from Lowestoft, is taking on the 13.1-mile half marathon race from Newcastle to South Shields on September 10 for Mind.

He hopes to raise £500 for the charity.

Mr Woolston, who is married with a two-year-old girl and six-week-old boy, first went on antidepressants when he was around 20 years old and later underwent cognitive behavioural therapy.

The offshore oil rig crane operator started running four years ago, initially to lose weight but soon became 'hooked' after it helped with his anxiety and depression.

Mr Woolston said: 'I don't feel I'm suffering with mental health problems anymore but I want to help others who are.

'I did tend to keep my feelings bottled up and I found it quite hard to talk about them because of pride and worrying about comments from people.'

He added working in the middle of the North Sea was tough during his bouts of depression and anxiety.

'I felt drained and unmotivated to leave my room.'

But after taking up running for the first time he instantly felt better.

Mr Woolston added: 'I get in the zone. If I ever feel stressed my wife tells me to go for a run. I then feel pumped and refreshed. I'm excited about running the Great North Run. It is such an iconic half marathon.'

Despite training being affected by his newborn, he hopes to complete the course in under two hours.

Mr Woolston added: 'Over many years there has been a lack of support and acknowledgement of people suffering with mental health issues. So many people suffer in silence. I want to raise awareness so people know where to turn to for help.'

He believed the country was moving in the right direction in terms of tackling perceptions of mental health issues.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jordanwoolston

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 8 - 14, for more visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week